Mentors and Advisors Our Brave New Uncertain World: Should You Listen?
Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.
Our world as we know it is changing quickly. People who seemed to be the ultimate repositories of knowledge and good sense now may seem hopelessly out of touch. Your college advisor may seem stuck in an old, irrelevant paradigm. Your online instructors may seem to cling to old, rigid approaches to life and their subject matter. You're disgusted. You're thinking about dropping out or taking a break.
Stop! Don't do it! Sure, your advisor and college mentor may be a bit out of synch with society, but -- who isn't? Everyone deals with change the way he or she can, and you're best bet is to listen to everyone -- even the people whose attitudes and opinions seem insensitive, especially with respect to the cost of education, or the pace at which you can progress -- may have something valuable to say. But, you won't hear it if you're not listening...
Here are a few pointers to help you keep benefiting from contact with your advisor, and to calm you down in times of uncertainty:
*Life Experience
Sure, life is different now. The "sure bets" of the past may not work now. But, there are always eternal verities that consist of morality, hard work, focus, and perseverance. Your advisor will be able to share the success stories of his or her own experience. Don't underestimate their value.
*Multiple Perspectives
You may feel as though your mentor has nothing in common with you. Your advisor may feel faceless and distant. Nevertheless, they have something to share. Listen to their advice, but don't just be passive about it. Realize that they have a unique perspective. Your is another unique perspective. All can shed new light on the situation -- they can give you insight into how to manage your coursework, and to take courses that align with your ultimate career goals.
*Ask questions!
Find out where your mentor or advisor is coming from -- what was their particular experience? What is their vantage point? How
*Practice Pro-Active Listening
Listen to what your mentor has to say. Before your conversation, think ahead to what you'd like to gain from the conversation. Then, make a list of points you'd like to bring up.
*Virtual Internships / Virtual Experience
Ask your advisor if there are any ways to gain experience, especially in the new areas that are emerging as the world economy adjusts, morphs, and grows.
*Globalize and Localize Yourself
Make sure that you are preparing yourself for the world of the future. Take as many courses as possible that enable you to communicate with people from different cultures and to take jobs that may take you to other places or new kinds of work.
*Grade Point vs. Progress
Does a great grade point matter as much as it seemed to in the past? Are you taking too many easy courses just to pad your GPA? Stop focusing so much on GPA and start thinking about substance and competencies. As you talk to your advisor, ask him or her where the college is offering new courses.
*Practical vs. Expedient
In the past, your advisor might have suggested you to graduate with a degree -- any degree -- as quickly as you could. That might have worked in the "old world" where your existing job and skill set did not need any augmenting -- all you needed was a degree. Times have changed and you may see that it would be worth the investment to take more time, invest more money in yourself, and get a degree that is more technical and/or professionally oriented. You will have more to present to potential employers, and you will have more options as you position yourself to take advantage of new opportunities.
*Social Networking
Multiply your advisor's impact. Get involved in discussion boards, wikis, blogs, and twitter notices. Share your stories. Listen to others. Gain insight.
*Mentor Yourself
Your advisor is well-meaning. But, does he or she really know what you like? Are they able to guide you toward the future that you have envisioned for yourself? You may have to start looking at solutions for yourself.
*Desensitize Yourself to Criticism
When your advisor seems to be critical, or simply off the mark, don't take it personally. Keep in mind that rapid change in the environment, employment trends, and economic structural changes has destabilized everyone. No one has much equilibrium these days.
*Use Anxiety and Uncertainty as a Tool
Scan your environment. Reality check with your advisor. Check options. Look for financial options.
*Create Financial Backup Plans
You may be totally secure with the way you've found to pay for your college education. However, there may be unexpected bumps in the road. So, be sure to have a backup plan to make sure that you can finish your education.